NM health care plan signups mostly older

SANTA FE (AP) - New government figures show that older New Mexicans account for the largest share of those who've enrolled in health coverage plans through a federally operated insurance exchange.

President Barack Obama's administration reported Monday that 7,688 New Mexicans had selected an insurance plan using the government-run marketplace through last month.

New Mexicans ages 35 to 64 represented about 74 percent of enrollment. However, that age group accounts for not quite 40 percent of the state's population.

Young adults ages 18 to 34 were 18 percent of total enrollment in the state, and 8 percent were under 18.

Enrolling younger, healthy Americans is considered crucial for keeping insurance premiums from rising in the future because older adults tend to have greater health problems and are more costly to serve.

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